I would suspect it is to beat Grand Theft Auto 5. I think some of the game is the download content that never was for Saints Row The Third: Enter The Dominatrix. Pretty happy that Kinzie Kensington is back (judging from the girl in the promo shots).

Not sure how to feel about this. Grand Theft Auto 5 is out a month later. If Saints Row IV is as short as Saints Row the Third, then it will easily be completed before the released of Grand Theft Auto 5.

I read that this will be the last Saints Row game featuring these characters. Shaundi, Pierce, etc...

The Saints Row IV Inauguration Station is available to download that lets you create your Boss which I think they are now calling President. You can also import Saints Row the Third created characters and edit them. Had a quick look at it last night and there are some new clothes but a lot of it is the same as Saints Row the Third.

I hope they go back and have you create a character and need to build him/her up and become the boss but start as a gang member. It would add to the game if your actions give different outcomes. Such as doing something that goes against the Saints another gang tries to recruit you at some point if you continue doing things like that.